DISTINCTIVE branding will help an estimated 267,000 visitors navigate the 113-mile River Tweed Trail from its source to the sea.

And that branding was unveiled by deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on Monday as she confirmed a grant of £10m through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the Destination Tweed programme.

The overall programme is made up of 13 projects, but the £10m will directly support the River Tweed Trail project, from Moffat, near its source, to its estuary at Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Visiting Tweed Forum’s Old Melrose headquarters, Ms Forbes said: “Tourism is already a vitally important sector to the south of Scotland, with tourists and day trippers attracted by its many attractions, beauty spots and wonderful landscapes.

“This is an ambitious programme which will not only protect and enhance the region’s treasured natural assets but, in the River Tweed Trail, create a piece of infrastructure with which to capitalise on these assets, helping further grow, develop and showcase what the region has to offer.”

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) leader Euan Jardine, who is a Borderlands Partnership co-chair, said: “Destination Tweed capitalises on protecting and enhancing this incredible asset running through the region and helps create a unique attraction.

“The River Tweed Trail is the keystone project within the £25 million Destination Tweed programme and will allow people to travel on foot or by bike connecting communities and attractions along the route.

“It will be one of the great long-distance routes in the UK.”

It is estimated that the programme will help bring an additional 267,000 visitors a year to the area after 10 years, with associated spending of £27.9m.

This will reportedly help support around 400 existing jobs and also create opportunities for new businesses and employment opportunities.

The Trail, due for completion in 2028, includes 166 separate packages with the creation of new sections of path, major upgrades of existing ones, bridge replacements and repairs, access improvements and the development of safer pedestrian crossings, as well as the introduction of new lighting and branded signage.

Luke Fisher, Destination Tweed project director, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the £10 million funding confirmed by the deputy First Minister today to support the development of the River Tweed Trail.

“The River Tweed is one of the UK’s most highly designated and inspirational river corridors, famed across the world for its salmon fishing, great houses and castles, literary connections and wonderful natural environment.”

Further funding for the Trail has come from Sustrans, South of Scotland Enterprise and Northumberland County Council, with SBC leading the Trail development in partnership with Tweed Forum.

With funding from both the Scottish and UK governments, the £350m Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is supporting a wide range of projects across five local authority areas on both sides of the border.